A HOMELESS charity is set to launch a campaign in Pendle schools to ensure teenagers are not left to wander the streets of Nelson, Colne and West Craven.

Bosses at SafeSpace, based in Carr Road, Nelson, have helped more than 1,700 young people to find their feet again since it was launched 10 years ago.

Tonight the organisation is launching a DVD, to be shown to Year 11 students across the borough.

The aim is to help prevent dozens more young people from slipping through the net.

Claire Bennett, SafeSpace manager, said: “The DVD challenges the stereotype that people have of who becomes homeless, why they become homeless and what future homeless young people can have.”

The production features contributions from a number of former homeless youngsters who the charity have assisted over the past decade.

It will be played as part of the awareness and prevention works, planned for several Pendle high schools.

Coun Tony Beckett, Mayor of Pendle, is lending his support to the organisation.

He will be attending the DVD’s premiere at the ACE Centre in Cross Street.

Artwork and photo displays of life on the streets, compiled by homeless young people, will feature prominently at the event, from 7pm, alongside a musical track composed by a teenager who spent time living rough.

Several case studies, demonstrating how SafeSpace was able to help a variety of teenagers from different backgrounds, will also be featured.

SafeSpace offers temporary accommodation to the homeless aged 16 to 25 and tries to guide people towards training and job opportunities.

The charity is still anxious to hear from anyone who they have not been able to contact, who they may have supported down the years and wishes to be involved in the gathering.

They can contact Claire on 01282 619192.